The North Carolina Museum of History is excited to announce the 29th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This highly anticipated event brings together members of all eight state-recognized tribes for a vibrant day of performances, demonstrations, and presentations that showcase the artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of American Indians in North Carolina.
This year’s festival will be held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, a temporary venue change due to ongoing renovations at the Museum of History. The renovations will expand and enhance future visitor experiences.
The festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse Indigenous heritage of the state. From traditional dance performances and drumming to contemporary discussions on the contributions of American Indians to modern science, art, and culture, the event offers a unique opportunity to learn and celebrate.
Event highlights include:
- Virtual Education Day: Students, teachers, and lifelong learners are invited to join a free Virtual Education Day on Friday, Nov. 22, celebrating the richness and diversity of North Carolina’s American Indian community. Attendees can enjoy a variety of presentations, including a live dancing and drumming demonstration.
- Grand Entry Procession: The celebration kicks off with a ceremonial Grand Entry, where members of the eight state-recognized tribes will process through Bicentennial Plaza. Dressed in traditional regalia, they will perform dances and songs accompanied by the powerful sound of drums and flutes.
- Cultural Booths and Demonstrations: Throughout the museum, visitors can interact with artists, historians, and cultural practitioners. Demonstrations will range from beadwork and pottery to discussions on the impact of American Indian traditions on North Carolina’s past and present.
- Hands-on Activities for All Ages: Families and children can engage in traditional games like corncob darts or participate in hands-on activities exploring American Indian crafts and customs.
- Native-Owned Food Trucks: Savor the flavors of Indigenous cuisine with a visit to the Native-owned food trucks, serving delicious staples like fry bread and other traditional dishes.
- Artisans and Vendors: Guests are encouraged to browse and purchase authentic, handmade items from Native artists and vendors, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more.
The American Indian Heritage Celebration is a signature event for the museum, providing a space for people of all backgrounds to engage with the enduring legacy and culture of North Carolina’s Indigenous communities. Whether through learning, art, or food, there are endless ways to experience and appreciate the richness of American Indian heritage.
For more information and to view the full schedule of events, please visit NC-AIHC.com.
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About the N.C. Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, fosters a passion for North Carolina history. This museum collects and preserves artifacts of state history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Admission is free. In 2023, more than 355,000 people visited the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network
Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.